Christmas in a time of crisis

Christmas in a time of crisis

In Indonesia this year, Christmas is being celebrated in
unfavorable sociopolitical and economic conditions. On the social
and political plane, the people are in an euphoric mood over the
prospect of reform, which unfortunately has brought with it some
ominous negative effects. On the economic plane, this nation is
still in the midst of a protracted crisis.

The current economic crisis in Indonesia -- and in many other
countries -- is in reality built on a basis of a crisis of
humanity. Blinded by accomplishment, people have lost control of
themselves. Means and objectives are being confused. Material
wealth is considered to be a main objective of life. As a result,
religious life has become shallow. This phenomenon is afflicting
young people all over the world. The gap between the rich and the
poor becomes wider, the poor feeling increasingly helpless while
the rich become increasingly powerful.

This is the actual phenomenon that underlies the current
crisis of humanity of which the economic crisis is an expression.
For this reason, the ongoing economic crisis lends a special
relevance to Christmas this year since both have their origin in
a crisis of humanity. The current economic crisis, therefore,
should in no way dampen the Christmas mood. For those who
understand the true significance of Christmas, such a condition
actually makes the occasion more meaningful.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta